00:00Toyama prefecture is where the mountains meet the sea.
00:08Known for its craftsmanship, it's now easier than ever to get to,
00:11thanks to the recent extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line.
00:15I'm taking advantage of this new access to explore some of Toyama's historic cities.
00:19People have been making and trading things here for centuries,
00:22and I get to try my own hand at some traditional metalworking.
00:26And it's time to celebrate with the locals at one of the region's spectacular autumn festivals.
00:37Takaoka City was once a powerful center of commerce and industry in Japan.
00:41Today, Yamachosuji Street is a testament to Takaoka's merchant past,
00:46where you can visit authentic dozozukuri-style homes like the Sugana residence.
00:51This is one of the largest dozozukuri-style houses in Yamachosuji district,
00:57and they have very thick walls as fireproof,
01:02and they have double door windows that also close when the fire happens.
01:08Both commercial and residential, the houses were rebuilt in the 1900s,
01:13after a fire burnt down more than half the city.
01:17So this part is a shop area, now we are in the negotiation room.
01:22This room is the most valuable room in this house,
01:27and they invite the most valuable clients and have negotiations here.
01:33Visitors can admire the rich details afforded by the merchant's extraordinary wealth,
01:38like latticed wall panels and custom-made nail covers.
01:42Beyond trade, Takaoka was also one of the country's biggest hubs for metal casting,
01:46especially copper.
01:48Over the years, many workshops have been shuttered or have moved away from traditional techniques.
01:53But the iconic Nausaku factory found a way to maintain its 100-year-old sand casting method
01:59by supporting it through industrial tourism.
02:01To pass down the tradition to the next generation,
02:05we are thinking that it is very important to show our traditional crafts
02:09and also the craftsmen working.
02:13Sand casting forgoes chemical treatment and firing,
02:16using natural materials that are entirely recyclable.
02:19At Nausaku, each brass and tin object, no matter how small,
02:23is handcrafted and polished, one by one.
02:26They make it look easy, but can anyone do it?
02:30I'm testing my skills at Nausaku's workshop.
02:33This is a pattern for the item you are going to make today.
02:37So, this dent side down, please put this almost the middle inside the frame.
02:43I'm making a sake cup from pure tin,
02:45which is said to reduce acidity and enhance the drink's flavor.
02:49You need a firm but delicate touch,
02:51so the sand is densely packed without falling apart.
02:55After removing the mold, Megumi poured in the molten tin.
02:58And just like that, I had a beautiful handmade sake cup.
03:02Thank you so much for teaching me how to make this.
03:04I'm very happy with my little sake cup.
03:06Thank you very much.
03:09Education isn't the only way to carry on these local traditions.
03:13Every October in Emizu, the Hojozu Hachimangu Shrine Festival
03:18brings the whole region out to take part in a nearly 400-year-old celebration.
03:26Residents young and old parade around town atop intricate hikiyama floats
03:30to give thanks to their Shinto gods and pray for prosperity.
03:33The local deity also comes down to earth atop a portable shrine.
03:37This year's event represents Emizu's post-earthquake recovery.
03:40There were many casualties in the January 1st earthquake,
03:45but thanks to everyone's help, we were able to safely climb the mountain today.
03:52I'd like to give everyone the courage to go around the town
03:58and spread the word.
04:01Mr. Nakano gave me a jacket from his district so I could join the procession.
04:05The energy was incredible,
04:07as was the teamwork needed to push these very heavy floats.
04:11Today, there are no more artisans in Emizu who know how to make hikiyama,
04:15but the customs are lovingly preserved.
04:18Hayashi and kakegoi have been passed down from generation to generation,
04:22from adults to children.
04:24So, in line with the way hikiyama is carried,
04:26a culture that has no form is still passed down.
04:29As night falls, flowers are replaced with lanterns,
04:32bathing the streets in an ethereal glow.
04:38Toyama clearly treasures its traditions and the people who keep them going.
04:42Because of events like this festival,
04:44the past will live on through future generations.
04:47I felt a strong sense of community here,
04:49and it's been a joy taking part in this celebration of local culture.
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